Southwest’s New Wheelchair Battery Rules: What Travelers Need to Know for Fall 2025
Starting September 25, Southwest Airlines will require travelers to remove lithium batteries from powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters before the devices are checked. Passengers must carry those batteries into the cabin so crew can see them and respond quickly if there is a problem. Southwest says the change is a safety step aimed at reducing the risk of smoke or fire in the cargo hold, and it brings the airline in line with international best practices.
Why the policy is changing
In a memo to employees on September 12, Dave Hunt, Southwest’s vice president for safety and security, said lithium batteries have become a leading source of onboard smoke and fire incidents, even if such events remain rare. Keeping batteries in the cabin gives crews immediate access and visibility, which improves response time. Hunt added that adopting higher standards now puts Southwest among the first major U.S. carriers to formalize this approach.
What passengers using mobility devices must do
- Remove the lithium battery from your mobility device at the check in counter or gate and bring it into the cabin.
- Keep the battery where it is easy for crew to see, per flight attendant instructions.
- Check the wheelchair or scooter after the battery has been removed.
Southwest notes that these batteries will not count toward your carry on baggage allowance, so you will not lose space for your personal item or standard carry on.
Battery size limits you should check
Southwest will accept lithium batteries up to 300 watt hours. That limit applies to the power unit in your wheelchair or scooter. If your device uses a battery larger than 300 watt hours, read the grace period below and plan ahead.
A temporary grace period
To ease the transition, Southwest will allow batteries over 300 watt hours through January 11, 2026 as long as customers follow the new removal and carry into cabin process. After that date, batteries above the 300 watt hour cap will no longer be accepted for transport on Southwest flights.
How this compares to other airlines
American, Delta, and United also restrict how mobility device batteries are handled, though each carrier’s rules differ in the details. If you are connecting between airlines, check every carrier on your itinerary so you are prepared for each step.
FAA and earlier Southwest guidance
The Federal Aviation Administration recently asked airlines to review their procedures and passenger messaging around electronics fire safety. Southwest also previously told customers that personal lithium power banks must be visible when used to recharge devices during flight. The new wheelchair battery rule follows the same logic of visibility and quick access.
Tips to make your trip smoother
- Confirm your battery’s watt hours before you fly. The rating is often printed on the label. If you are unsure, contact your device manufacturer or service provider.
- Bring a protective case or sleeve for the battery so it can travel safely in the cabin without shifting around.
- Arrive early and let the agent know you have a lithium powered mobility device that needs battery removal. Extra time helps everyone.
- Carry written instructions for how your battery disconnects and how the chair should be handled, especially if your model has unique steps.
- Tell the gate agent and flight crew that you have the battery with you so they know where it is stowed.
The bottom line
From September 25 on, Southwest customers who use powered wheelchairs and scooters will remove and carry their lithium batteries into the cabin, with a 300 watt hour limit and a grace period for larger batteries that ends January 11, 2026. The airline says the update is about safety and quick response, and your battery will not count against your carry on allowance. A little planning at check in goes a long way toward a smooth boarding experience.
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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance
